"Chaos" theory is a revolutionary new paradigm developed by scientists to study the behavior of natural systems. "Chaos" refers to the tendency of dynamic non-linear systems toward irregular, sometimes unpredictable, yet deterministic behavior. Major tenets of the theory are presented. The precedent for use of models developed in the natural sciences to model educational systems is discussed. Several examples of educational research using alternatives to the traditional linear model to study complex systems are presented. Finally, the implications of using the "chaos" model to study educational systems are discussed. It is probable that educational researchers will continue to rely on the linear model when the purpose is to study and predict simple effects. However, a model of the chaotic, yet deterministic, non-linear behavior of dynamic systems can contribute to the understanding of educational systems. The behavior of educational systems may turn out to differ from natural systems in some crucial ways, but the new paradigm offers a new way of looking at educational systems. (Author/SLD)